In this course, students explore the musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony and form as applied to the principles and techniques of writing and arranging for the rhythm section (drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, basic percussion) and a lead-line in a solo instrument, two horns (trumpet, alto or tenor sax) or voice. Students learn about the conceptualization process of combining individual components to create a musically satisfying arrangement. Students also learn various contemporary musical styles and the musical concepts that comprise them, including writing from the bottom up (groove-driven) and top down (working with a melody in a lead instrument or voice). Students will complete writing assignments that incorporate combinations of acoustic, electronic, and/or MIDI instruments.

CM-227

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall Only

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: CM-212, and CP-210 or CP-212

Department: COMP

During this course the students will explore and master the technique of modulation to the keys both closely related and distant. Using the concepts of three degrees of kinship between keys and the major-minor (minor-major) systems, the students will acquire the skill of gradual modulation as well as sudden modulation, as it was taught in Russia. This practical/theoretical approach will both contrast and complement current methods of handling this more advanced area of harmony, and will thus bring about for the student additional practical applications of these concepts.

CM-252

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: MUED majors

Electable by: MUED majors

Prerequisites: CM-251 and CP-210 or CP-211

Department: COMP

This course is a continuation of CM-251. Students explore more in-depth concepts, including advanced traditional harmony and intermediate compositional procedures, as well as seventh chords, altered chords, and modulation.

CM-311

Prerequisites: CM-397 or CM-221 and either COND-211, COND-216, or COND-221

Department: COMP

Specific techniques of traditional 20th-century composition. Technical devices such as quartal harmony, serial writing, polytonality, and contrapuntal techniques. Assignments are directly related to each of these aspects of composition and are performed in class.

CM-318

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Spring Only

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: ET-111 and PW-111

Department: COMP

The workshop provides opportunities for student composers to hear performances of their own work, and for student performers to gain public performing experience of original student works and works written within the last 60 years. Important works of the 20th century are explored. It is advisable, but not required, for students to have taken MHIS-261 prior to enrolling in this course. This course can be repeated for credit.